Lemongrass is definitely a more unusual plant to smudge with. However, it’s one that has a wonderful citrusy purifying smell, and it has a whole host of other benefits as well.
I’ve smudged with lemongrass for many years, and I can tell you that there are 9 key benefits, which are:
- It has anti-inflammatory qualities
- Aromatherapy benefits
- They repel insects!
- Purification of the air benefits
- Immune system support
- Anxiety and stress relief
- Pain relief
- Skin health
- It makes your house smell GREAT!
Let’s dive into each of these in turn. There is actually a lot of research and evidence for many of the benefits of lemongrass, that I’ll take a look at as well, on top of my direct experience with lemongrass smudging. Let’s go…
1. Anti-Inflammatory Qualities
Lemongrass has been found to contain anti-inflammatory qualities. In particular, it contains:
- Citral – This causes the gorgeous lemony scent! It also reduces inflammation in the body
- Geraniol – This has a beautiful floral scent. It has many positive benefits, including anti-cancer properties
There was actually a study published in the Inflammation Research Journal (which, as you can tell by the name, is pretty big in the anti-inflammation knowledge industry!) (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21442363/).
What did it find?
Well, that lemongrass reduced stress and inflammation in rats!
2. Aromatherapy Benefits
In aromatherapy, lemongrass is used for several reasons:
Number one, is that its scent is really invigorating and refreshing! It really focuses your senses and your mind.
One of the main reasons I use lemongrass is because it is also good for lifting your mood. That beautiful, zingy, lemony smell, just seems so fresh and vibrant.
There has been research carried out about the calming benefits of aromatherapy. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22196547)
3. Lemongrass Is An Insect Repellent
I know for my wife this is a biggie!
The smell of lemongrass seemingly repels quite a few different bugs, including:
- Mosquitoes
- House flies
- Fleas
- Ticks
- Stable flies
- Lice
So quite an impressive list – I’m sure you’ll agree!
This makes lemongrass smudge sticks ideal for outdoor occasions – think garden parties and small gatherings.
There’s actually been a bit of research about this as well. I saw a study in the Journal of Vector Ecology (that’s right, my life is that exciting that I read this sometimes!). (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22196547)
They found that burning dried sweetgrass (not exactly the same as lemongrass, but very similar) helped to repel mosquitoes – probably the most formidable insect on that list above!
4. Lemongrass Has Purification Qualities
Here’s a biggie for you!
Lemongrass is really well known for its cleansing properties. When I burn it, the air just seems so fresh and energized.
Some people believe that lemongrass helps to clear out negative energy. I don’t know about that – but I do know that the atmosphere definitely seems much more positive.
5. Immune System Support
Now let’s get a bit more technical.
There was a study published in the Food and Chemical Toxicology Journal. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22306475).
They found that lemongrass has both antioxidant and immune-stimulating effects.
What is an anti-oxidant? Well, it’s a bit technical, but an antioxidant is basically a chemical that helps to fight free radicals.
Free radicals have quite a few negative effects on our bodies, such as:
- Cell damage
- Chronic disease
- Weakened immune system
- Accelerated aging
So, not something you really want too much of – I think you’ll agree. However, lemongrass produces lots of antioxidants that fight back against all of these effects.
6. Anxiety And Stress Relief
This is a biggie!
The beautiful aroma of lemongrass works as a relaxant and helps to calm you down and just feel better.
Don’t just take my word for it! There was a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16884344/).
They basically found that inhaling lemongrass:
- Reduced anxiety
- Improved mood
- Increased relaxation
So if you’re looking to chill, then lemongrass is a good smudge stick of choice for you.
7. Pain Relief
Believe it or not, there is actually evidence that lemongrass can provide some level of pain relief. This was found by the Journal of Natural Medicines. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21225211/).
I’ve never used a smudge stick in this way myself, I have to say, but there does seem to be some scientific backing for this.
8. Skin Health
Lemongrass contains some ingredients that have been found to be good for some skin conditions, including acne. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6600565/).
Lemongrass contains at least four chemicals that are good for skin, including:
- Citral
- Geronial
- Limonene
- Myrcene
Lemongrass is actually contained in lots of skin creams and serums. There are quite a few conditions it may have a positive benefit for, including:
- Oil skin
- Eczema
- Acne
- Psoriasis
I should say, that you would probably find more powerful effects of this by using lemongrass oil directly on the skin.
9. It Makes Your House Smell Frickin Great!
If you love a zingy, lemony, citrusy thing, then lemongrass if definitely for you!
It really is an occasion when I use it, because it creates this positive buzz around the place, and just makes the house a fantastic place to be.
Give it a whirl! You won’t regret it.
How To Make Lemongrass Smudge Sticks
Step 1 – Gather and roll lemongrass
Gather or buy lemongrass. Roll it into a sausage-shaped bundle, that will be ideally between about 6 and 9 inches long.
Step 2 – Tie the bundle
The only other resource you need apart from lemongrass is cotton string.
I like to use cotton string because it is good for burning – it is flammable and also non-toxic. Wool is harder to burn, and manmade fibers can release toxic chemicals (so stay clear!).
Wrap the cotton string around the base of the bundle a few times, and then coil it around the bundle, moving towards the other end. Secure that end with a knot, and cut any excess.
Your sausage-shaped smudge stick is ready!
Step 3 – Store the smudge sticks
Time to store the smudge sticks. You want to find somewhere that is:
- Airy
- Reasonably cool
- Dark
If you can hand the lemongrass smudge sticks, then that is ideal!
Lemongrass normally takes anywhere from one to two weeks to fully dry. You’ll know its dry when:
- The stalks are brittle
- The leaves are dry and crumbly
